UAlberta chemist creates next generation of neuroscience tools

Tools for visualizing and manipulating neurons will provide insight into a wide variety of medical and mental health conditions.

Robert Campbell (left), professor of chemistry, builds new tools for neuroscientists in his UAlberta lab.

By KATIE WILLIS

UAlbertachemistryprofessorRobert Campbellis developing new ways to see and manipulate the activity of neurons in the brain, which could revolutionize the way we understand the organ that controls most of the activities of the body.

“We want to help other researchers apply these new neuroscience tools to disorders ranging from chronic pain to brain injuries,” said Campbell.

Looking inside the head

Campbell and his research group are developing tools to understand the inner workings of the brain in model organisms such as zebrafish, fruit flies and mice.

“Right now, we have good methods for visualizing the electrical activity in the brain, but not for seeing neurotransmitters,” said Campbell. Using natural fluorescent proteins, such as those in jellyfish and coral, neuroscientists will have new ways of seeing when and to what degree certain neurons are active.

As for manipulating brain activity, including the potential to implant memories, Campbell will be using a protein of his own creation.

“Using ourphotocleavable protein, we aim to make the connections between neurons either stronger or weaker using light, ultimately implanting certain associations, connections, and possibly even memories within the brain,” he explained.

An invaluable toolkit

The tools are highly anticipated by Campbell’s colleagues, including neuroscientists, researchers, and collaborators, from across the country. Their labs range in focus from developing models of depression and autism to understanding stroke and everything in between.

“These are the people who are putting the tools to use in health and health care research,” explained Campbell. “Our lab is just creating new and better tools to allow them to do their job.”